Motherhood might be the hardest thing in the world.
I don’t have kids, but I do have a mother. And, I’ve seen the sacrifices, the regret and the love that goes with the role. So, to all the women I know that are giving their all even when they want to give up, this is for you. You are so strong. Strength doesn’t come in a one-size fits all package. Your strength isn’t the same as mine, or your mothers.
You know how weak and incompetent you feel? It’s not true. It will pass. If no one ever says thank you, let me be the first: Thanks for showing up when all you want to do is give in. Thanks for sticking up for what is right even when it costs you.
Thanks for modelling friendship, self-love and empathy. Your strength is our salvation.
10 Things You Learn From Being Raised By A Strong Mother
1. You learn the value of independence. You don’t need a man to save you or anyone to take care of you, you learn by example that you are capable of living a full and happy life without having to share it with someone else. You learn that you can build a home, raise kids, cook, and do the dishes all while having a thriving career. You pretty much learn how to be super woman.
2. You learn the meaning of unconditional love. You saw your mom sacrifice her time, health and youth for you and your siblings, yet she never complained or gloated about how much she is suffering or how much she is doing. She always had a smile on her face and was happily giving more and more of herself. She taught you what selfless and unconditional love looks like, and you know you won’t be able to find that love anywhere else.
3. You learn how to love yourself. You learn how to walk away from the things that are not meant for you, you learn how to keep going even when the whole world is against you, and you learn how to believe in yourself when everyone is doubting you. You learn that bad grades, heart breaks and failures don’t define you; what defines you is how you bounce back from all the setbacks and how hard you fight for the life you want.
4. You learn that you can be both strong and soft. Strong mothers are usually very sensitive they just hide it better, but you saw your mom silently cry over your pain, or stay up all night taking care of you when you were sick, or the nights she couldn’t sleep because something was troubling you. The way she hugs you when you are down shows unmatched compassion and tenderness and sometimes in a quiet corner you saw her shed a few tears.
5. You learn that it’s not easy being a woman. You learn that your opinion will be discounted, that you will be taken lightly when you’re being serious, but you will also learn that you can stand out in a crowd and force everyone to listen to your voice and accept your ideas. You learn that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
